The Gajapati district was awarded among 20 others in India for child protection and safety.
In a programme held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Collector Gajapati Lingaraj Panda received the citation honor.
It was organized jointly by the National Child Protection Commission and Narcotics Control Bureau.
Gajapati had a dubious distinction for child trafficking, child labour, drugs abuse and atrocities against children. The district administration formed a committee on child protection and regular sensitisation at grassroots level to bring the children to the mainstream.
The children in distress were identified and sent to nearest Ashram Schools. They were given scope to join ITI and Diploma courses to enable them get jobs.
Cases were also lodged against miscreants who engaged children through trafficking to move them to cities like Coimbatore, Chennai, Mumbai, Surat and Goa. Support from police, drug control agency and Excise Department were given to reduce such cases.